Former OutKast manager Queen Latifah says duo are working on new album

The news comes after it was revealed that the newly reformed act will play 40 festivals this summer

Photo: PA

Former OutKast manager Queen Latifah has said that the duo are working on a new album.

The musician and actress was speaking on The Howard Stern Show yesterday (January 13) - via Consequence Of Sound - when she let the news slip. "They're chilling… They're about to work on a new album," commented Latifah, who used to head up the Flavor Unit management company.

It was recently announced that OutKast will play 40 festivals this summer. Earlier this month (January 9), the duo revealed that they would be making their live comeback headlining Coachella Festival in California alongside Muse and Arcade Fire in April. They subsequently announced another headline slot at New York's Governors Ball festival, which takes place June 6-8 on Randall's Island.

The reformed duo then announced a 40-date full world festival tour "to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their unique and influential sound," with the exact dates yet to be announced. "It's truly an honour to celebrate 20 years and still be free to do music the way we choose," Big Boi said in a statement. "Don't just think outside the box, know that there is no box. I'm looking forward to rocking the stage with my Bro Ski and to all the fans — stank you smelly much, this is for y'all!"

André 3000 added: "And imagine, all we wanted to do was rap! I am thankful to have been a part of a group that allowed me to explore anything that came to mind and have fun doing it. Returning to the stage together is the most exciting way for us to thank everyone for their 20 years of supporting OutKast."

OutKast went on hiatus in 2007 and have not performed together since 2004, both members enjoying solo success in the subsequent years. This year is the 20th anniversary of the pair's 1994 debut album 'Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik'.